Special Effects Grapefruit IPA
by Untitled Art
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Packaging
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Look
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Smell
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Mouthfeel
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Taste
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Overall Score: 3.25
★★★★★
Special Effects Grapefruit IPA by Brooklyn Brewery is a nonalcoholic offering that gives a solid nod to both the IPA style and fruity refreshment, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark. While the vibe and ambition are there, the execution leaves a little to be desired.
Packaging
Brooklyn Brewery’s design game is strong with this one. The pink and red scaly snake-lake pattern surrounding the iconic logo is certainly eye-catching, and I have to say, it has a flair that screams “give me a try!” It’s not revolutionary, but it definitely stands out on the shelf—just the kind of artistry that makes you think, “Hey, this might be more than just another NA.”
Look
Upon pouring, I noticed a golden yellow liquid that is as friendly as a sunny day—just a hint of carbonation bubbling up, though sadly no head to speak of and zero lacing. At first glance, it’s visually appealing, but once you get a little deeper, it feels a bit flat for an IPA. Not terrible, but nothing to write home about either.
Smell
This is where things get a tad average. The aroma is shy, barely whispering hints of grapefruit, with hardly a hop presence to be found. It’s like entering a party where the guests forgot to bring snacks—there’s just not much going on. I was hoping for a burst of grapefruit zest or some piney notes—a little excitement, if you will—but alas, this was more of a gentle nudge than a full-on invitation.
Mouthfeel
Honestly, it’s kind of mediocre. The body is a touch lacking for an IPA, landing squarely on the watery side of the spectrum. It’s also a bit over-carbonated, leaving me feeling like I just chugged a soda rather than savoring a craft beer experience. Not unpalatable, sure, but not the sort of mouth-hug you dream about either.
Taste
So, about the taste—it’s a bit of a mixed bag. I could easily be convinced that this is a grapefruit lager rather than an IPA. The grapefruit flavor comes through loud and clear, and it’s quite pleasant in isolation. However, those hops that we all love from a traditional IPA? Almost nonexistent. This is all about the fruitiness, and while it’s refreshing, it’s not the hop-forward experience I had hoped for.
Final Verdict
So, would I reach for Special Effects Grapefruit IPA again? Well, it’s not unpleasant, but it’s also not particularly memorable. It has its moments, especially on a hot day when you want something light and fruity, but I was just hoping for that IPA punch. If you’re in the mood for a grapefruit-centric refresher, it might work for you, but if you’re after a rich, hop-laden experience, look elsewhere.”. Cheers!
